Northern Michigan University, located in Marquette, Michigan, is a dynamic four-year, public, comprehensive university that has grown its reputation based on its award-winning leadership programs, cutting-edge technology initiatives and nationally recognized academic programs. Northern has a population of about 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students.

Ask a few Northern students what drew them to our university and you will get a variety of answers. That's because there is no single thing that make students want to go to Northern; it is ALL the things that we do here. Northern is big enough to offer a wide variety of academic programs but is also small enough that every time you walk across campus, you'll probably wave "hi" to someone you know.

Curiosity is the raw ingredient of knowledge. It causes us to ask questions, to seek answers, to learn. At Northern Michigan University, natural curiosity and intellectual challenge meet in stimulating classes grounded in the liberal arts. So wherever your curiosity leads you, you can count on the support you need to take the next step, ask the next question, propose the next hypothesis.

The mission of the Northern Michigan University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, Recreational Sports and the United States Olympic Training Site is to create an environment that promotes academic excellence, interpersonal growth and social development; embraces diversity; teaches lifetime leisure skills; fosters spirit and tradition; and builds a lifelong connection to NMU.

Yes, you'll attend your classes, but what else will you be doing as a student at Northern? There's so much stuff to choose from. There's a student organization or club – almost 300 at last count-- for just about every interest. If you're into investigating the paranormal, anime or improv comedy, there's a group. Cheer on your fellow Wildcats at a hockey game or volleyball match. Join a competitive club sport or an intramural team. The sky is the limit.

Parent Loan

The Parent PLUS Loan is a loan parents may borrow on behalf of their dependent student. The federal government defines a parent as a natural or adoptive mother or father, or legal guardian (which may include a stepparent). This funding is through the federal government and the student must have a completed FAFSA on file. Students must be making Satisfactory Progress with NMU and enrolled at least half time (6 credit hours per semester). The Parent PLUS Loan has a 7% fixed interest rate for loans disbursed between July 1, 2017 and June 30, 2018. The amount requested will be limited by cost of attendance limits minus all other aid received. In order to apply for a Parent PLUS loan a parent must have a Federal Student Aid ID (FSA ID). If a parent does not have a FSA ID or does not remember their FSA ID, please visit http://fsaid.ed.gov to either apply or request a duplicate.

Additional information, as well as a link to the electronic PLUS Loan Application, can be accessed through the links below:

PLEASE NOTE that any information relating to the "borrower" on the application and Master Promissory Note are asking for parent information NOT student information.

If the parent is approved, he/she will need to complete an electronic Master Promissory Note at studentloans.gov.

If the parent is denied, and the student wishes to request addition funding, please refer to www.nmu.edu/finaiddirectloan for more information on the process and on loan limits. These students would be eligible to borrow at the Independent Additional Unsubsidized Loan amount.

If you need to make reduced or no payments while your student is in school at least half time, please contact your loan servicer or log into your account at https://myfedloan.org/ to view different repayment options.

Graduate and professional students seeking additional loan funding may also apply for a Grad PLUS Loan. This loan is at a fixed 7% interest rate for loans disbursed between July 1, 2017 and June 30, 2018. While this rate is higher than a graduate student's Direct Loans, it is typically lower than a private, alternative loan.

Students interested in applying for this loan should stop by the Financial Aid Office to discuss this option and see if it is relevant to them.